Posts by Malcolm Kenton — Contributor
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There’s no regional rail between DC and Philly, so I tried the bus and van service that fills the gap
All but 63 miles of the 457-mile DC-Boston Northeast Corridor higher-speed rail line are served by commuter or regional rail trains, while Amtrak intercity trains cover the route’s entirety. If commuter trains were extended to fill these gaps, it would be possible to travel inexpensively from DC to Philadelphia with one change of train, from DC to New York with three changes, or DC to Boston with six changes. Keep reading…
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Watch the evolution of Amtrak from 1971 to 2011
Today, Amtrak turns 48. This slideshow shows how passenger rail service has evolved over the decades, using maps from Malcolm Kenton and the National Association of Railroad Passengers. Keep reading…
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There’s no regional rail between DC and Philly, so I tried the bus and van service that fills the gap
All but 63 miles of the 457-mile DC-Boston Northeast Corridor higher-speed rail line are served by commuter or regional rail trains, while Amtrak intercity trains cover the route’s entirety. If commuter trains were extended to fill these gaps, it would be possible to travel inexpensively from DC to Philadelphia with one change of train. Keep reading…
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Here’s what DDOT Director Jeff Marootian had to say at TranspoCamp
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has a backlog of critical infrastructure projects. It's faced with the challenge of cross-jurisdictional cooperation on Metro, mobility alternatives to cars, a shortage of housing, and more. Nonetheless, the agency’s director is upbeat about efforts that are currently (or will soon be) underway aimed at making it safer to get around the city via all modes. Keep reading…
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Ask GGWash: How can I get into urban planning?
We respond to reader email: “Nothing gets me going like an old proposed expanded Metro map that runs through Thomas Circle and “Longfellow Square.” I want to figure out how I could turn all this energy and creativity and interest into something more. Do you have ideas or suggestions for places I should look for entry-level jobs that could lead me down this path?” Keep reading…
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Thoughts on Monday’s Amtrak 501 catastrophe
Though calamity can strike any time and on any mode of travel, you are still many times safer on a train than you are in an automobile. Keep reading…
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Because of Metro’s $0.25 increase, I’m walking, biking, ride hailing more
Over the two weeks since the WMATA systemwide fare increases went into effect, I have noticed the subtle effect they are having on my mode choice and travel behavior. When it comes to daily decisions on how to get around, as the old adage goes, perception is reality. Keep reading…
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Ask GGWash: Is there any reason not to have a sidewalk?
There are parts of DC and other cities with no sidewalks. As pedestrian safety has become a higher priority in road design, DC and other cities have been adding them, though sometimes residents oppose the idea. Is there any good reason not to put one in? Do we have statistics? Reader Phil L. asks: “Do sidewalks measurably improve pedestrian safety even in low traffic density… Keep reading…
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When a train pass gets you rides on more than just trains, it’s good for the region
Did you know that a weekly or monthly ticket for MARC commuter rail and certain types of tickets for VRE commuter rail, during the time when they are valid, are also good for unlimited rides on every many other transit systems in the DC and Baltimore region except for Metrorail? It’s a well-kept secret, and an example of a partnership across agencies that should happen more often. Keep reading…
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Topic of the week: Our favorite projects (from other places)
There’s a lot to admire when you travel, and it’s fun to observe how other cities achieve function and beauty. This week, we asked our contributors “What city planning or transit projects have caught your eye while traveling, and why?” As might be expected, many contributors were inspired by other cities’ transit systems, primarily overseas… Keep reading…